bi-polar and much more

[callie727]

hi I am a 46 yr old woman who has suffered from bipolar for the past 17 years if not longer and I have alot of other medical issues as well like diabeties, severve back pain and it now has traveled in to my arms and fingers it hurts just to type this. but there are many days I just dont feel like doing anything and then there are days I cant stop till I fall down I am taking my medication daily as prescribed by my doctor I am wondering if the bi- polar disease effects everything else that is going on in my body I know it has a part in my diet because I seem not to be able to get enough sweets

Thank you

[Venora Moonwind]

Get your thryoid checked asap the thryoid can affect everything you have mentioned in your post. Let us know what you find out.
Love Venora

[ames67]

The pain you are experiencing may be a part of the depression that goes along with bipolar. I used to work with chronic pain patients.  if you have had the back injury for a while, your pain may be radiating from the original injury. It is a chicken or egg story. The injury may have triggered depression and/or depression makes the pain worse. Furthermore, not to alarm you but the ups and downs in your energy level could mean you are cycling still and need to talk with your psychaitrist. I know its difficult, I would kill for a go til I drop day right now, but knowing where they can lead it is much too risky. As for the sweets, bipolars often crave carbohydrates and/or it can be a side efect from your meds. Just another reason everyone should workout and exercise. It also increases the level of serotonin in the brain thus effecting depressed mood. And yes exercise is always recommended for chornic pain patients. You may want to try water aerobics and/or walking. The low impact workout, although it may cause an increase in your pain at first, can ultimately result in less pain in the long run. Just be sure to start slow and not overdo it. You will really want to watch for the days you "feel" like running a marathon, and just settle on a couple times around the block. Hope this helps.

[sharatan]

me too,my recent undiagnosed thyroid cancer really has funked up all things concerning my thoughts on my diagnosis of bi polar plus other stuff thats too long and messed up.Anyway I believe any thing to do with brain disease of any kind will affect everything;I went thru what everyone liked to describe as a manic period last year,though I was just tired and very angry justifiably so concerning family and my relationships.blahblahblah.It turns out that if you have a cancerous thyroid tumor stuck in your throat that it affects and mimics bi polar things.Now I'm freaked out all the time,since found out an old fiend has bad intentions for me and has been watching me for years without me knowing it;I am now agoraphobic;paranoid and completley screwed and worried all the time,though I must admit I have a hell of a lot to actually worry about.But I do believe what your going thru is the side effects of the meds,I too have experienced the worst kinds.Thats why you ask your doc if he has ever taken any of the drugs before.bet he hasnt.At least timothy leary wouldve.have a okay time of it.sorry so long diatribe,but havent been on the computer for a while,or talked to anybody;dont feel comfortable even with family any more now."Do right;no one remembers;do wrong......no one forgets.Have a blessed day then.